Sunderland made a triumphant return to the Premier League on Saturday with a 3-0 victory over West Ham United, led by an impressive debut from their new captain, Granit Xhaka. The 32-year-old, who joined the club from Bayer Leverkusen for €15 million, immediately showed why he was handed the captain’s armband.
Key Statistics From His Debut
Xhaka’s performance was backed by a range of commanding statistics that demonstrated his influence on the match:
- He had 63 touches, more than any other Sunderland player.
- He completed 38 passes and made eight passes into the attacking third.
- He created two goal-scoring chances.
- He ran 11.2 kilometers, the second most on the team.
- He won five of his twelve duels.
- He covered 75 percent of his distance at high speed, showcasing his presence across the pitch.
Leadership on and Off the Pitch
Beyond the numbers, Xhaka brought a clear leadership presence to the team. His coach, Regis Le Bris, praised his contribution, noting that the captain emphasized “how suffering together would be the key to success this season.”
After the victory, Xhaka took to social media to express his excitement, writing, “What a start, what a welcome, what an atmosphere!” The goals for Sunderland were scored by Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard, and Wilson Isidor, all after the 60th minute.
